CHAPTER 61: HOT SPRINGS

After changing in the locker room, Shion, Asahi, Yan Mo, and the Second Shion headed to the men’s side, while Haru and the others went to the women’s section.

The hot springs were huge — it could fit a dozen, maybe several dozen people inside. They were completely open to the sky. The hot water mixed with the cold mountain air and the glittering night full of stars.

Yan Mo settled comfortably into the water, half-closing his eyes and leaning his head back as he relaxed. Shion also slipped in up to his neck with a calm expression. Asahi and the Second Shion stayed nearby, splashing each other.

"Wow, this place is awesome!" Asahi said.

"Totally," the Second Shion added.

"I’m glad you boys like it," the king replied. "We’ll probably stay here a while before we head back to our rooms, so enjoy it as much as you can."

*

Haru sighed.

"Sorry, guys. I’d rather go to the other side, but I could feel the staff giving me weird looks when I didn’t walk into the women’s area."

"Relax, we’re all in towels or underwater anyway," Gari said, leaning back against the edge of the pool as she let out a satisfied sigh.

"Well, yeah, but..."

"Haru, we came here to relax, not stress out. So don’t overthink it and just enjoy yourself," Maldie cut in.

Yuri popped up beside her, having been blowing bubbles underwater.

"I see you’re into diving," Maldie said, then laughed.

"Uh-huh!" Yuri replied enthusiastically before giggling.

Haru smiled.

I’m glad I can finally see everyone smiling again. These people mean a lot to me, and their happiness means even more. Even Ayame loosened up.

Haru glanced at her. She sat beside Rouhuo, looking rested and peaceful. Ayame’s eyes were closed, probably lost in thought, while Rouhuo stayed close, blushing and flustered.

Hmm... something must’ve happened between them. Why is Rouhuo so awkward around her lady when they’ve known each other for so many years?

Haru took a long breath, feeling the soothing warmth of the water wash over him.

Or maybe I shouldn’t think about it. It’s their business, after all, right?

His thoughts were cut off by Yuri’s laughter as she splashed Gari. Haru looked at his daughter, a little surprised that the usually well-behaved Yuri was suddenly being so playful.

"Oh, you little–" Gari said playfully. "Auntie Gari is gonna counterattack, you rascal!" She splashed Yuri back lightly, making the girl laugh.

Sayaka shyly splashed Yuri too, then tried to shield herself from the girl’s payback.

Ayame lazily cracked one eye open, then smirked teasingly and splashed Rouhuo.

"Battle! Everyone against everyone!" Maldie shouted, splashing Haru.

The rest of the day passed in laughter, chatting, and joking together.

*

After the bath, everyone headed to their rooms. As it turned out, Yan Mo and Sayaka were assigned to a shared room with the children so they could watch over them at night. Ayame and Rouhuo had their own room, Maldie and Gari theirs as well – and Haru and Shion not only got a separate room, but one in an entirely different building.

The staff had prepared soft futons in a spacious room. Haru slid open the shoji, revealing the night sky and a full moon. Shion sat on the mattress while Haru stood in the doorway, looking toward his husband.

"I just hope our kids are safe and nothing happens to them," he said, his voice a little shaky.

"It’s wonderful that you worry about them so much, Haru. But relax – they’ve got Yan Mo and Sayaka with them, and Gari and Maldie, plus Ayame and Rouhuo, are all in the same building."

Haru exhaled.

Maybe I really should let it go for once and stop worrying about everything and everyone... but I can’t. I guess that’s just who I am. Tonight, I want to do something for myself — and the only thing I want to do tonight is Shion.

I’m not letting this chance slip by, and besides... it’s so romantic here.

Haru walked toward his husband, then knelt beside him. Holding Shion’s hands, he started kissing him – first gently, then deeper and more wildly, slipping his tongue into the kiss.

"Oh, Shion," Haru panted after a string of intense kisses. "You have no idea how much I wanted you. After everything we’ve been through, and everything still hanging over us... I can’t take it if I don’t melt in your arms tonight."

"Haru..." Shion breathed out, caught somewhere between flustered and downcast. "I... I want to love you like before, but I’m scared that because I lost my sight, it’ll be worse and–"

"Don’t you even think that, you silly," Haru said, kissing his cheek. "You’re still you, right? Come here." He loosened his kimono a bit more.

Shion pulled him close, kissing his neck, feeling Haru’s soft skin still warm from the bath and his fresh fruity-floral scent.

"You might not see me with your eyes, but I know you see me with your love. I can feel your heartbeat, Shion, and I feel your touch. Your body and your soul still remember me – and that’s the biggest compliment you could ever give me," Haru said softly as Shion hugged him tighter, gripping his slender waist.

Haru couldn’t hold back – he leaned backward, and Shion ended up on top of him. The king grabbed his husband’s hands and kissed him as intensely as he possibly could.

"Haru... I love you so much," Shion said as he paused the kiss for a breath.

Haru smiled. He knew that if Shion had his sight back and if his eyes could shine — they’d be glowing now with pure, deep love.

"I know. I love you too, sweetheart," Haru whispered warmly. "But don’t make me wait longer," he added in a seductive whisper before biting Shion’s ear.

Shion took both of Haru’s hands, pressing them harder against the ground, kissing him down his neck, then his chest, moving lower to his stomach, and back up again until he reached his lips.

After a long, heated exchange of kisses and touches, Shion undressed Haru – and then himself.

That night, they made long, passionate love.